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1 Psycho Bitch 2 Someone New 3 Night Terror 4 Panic Fire 5 Wish You Dead 6 I'm In Love With The Girl That I Hate 7 Crave 8 Self Destruction 9 Therapy 10 Drama Queen 11 Mental Ward (Checkin' In) 12 Lost Soul Mate |
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| Released 2002 GARY SCHUTT - all instruments & vocals update june 2006 i know it's a few years late to comment on this CD but i wondered why i never did. so, here goes.... i had a bunch of killer new songs written, i wanted to record the follow-up to PLAYTHINGS and i didn't trust the tape transport on my Tascam anymore. i still recorded all the tracks to tape though, except drums & keys because they came direct from the Korg Trinity. so then each track was mixed individually to a CD-R, then was imported, one by one, to a hard drive on my G4. the album was then mixed using the audio tracks of Final Cut Pro. man, this was tedious and took way to long to do. but in the end i had much more control over detail and automation than if i mixed it on tape. The drums were a Korg Trinity and so was all the keyboard stuff. guitars and bass went direct through a Behringer V-Amp2. and the vocals were recorded the same way i always have - Shure Beta 58 through a BOSS SE-50 for compression. Mastered by John Ellis at Prism Sound. This CD was formerly released under the band name SHUT. |
| "EXCRUCIATING PLEASURES" |
| REVIEWS |
| from: MelodicRock.com - Andrew McNeice
rating: 82% The talented Gary Schutt is back with his new project - essentially all Gary anyway, but what the heck! Style wise Gary has modernized a touch, with a heavier and darker guitar tone employed. But generally, his vocals and the song style is all melodic. Fans of his previous work will identify with this and should - like me - rate it as his best release to date. Strong songs and good chorus hooks - and of course, it rocks! Gotta love the track Psycho Bitch! www.yougotgroove.com - GROOVE Magazine - Christina Nostro I related with their sound a little more. Unfortunately, most of their songs are targeted towards women. Don’t get me wrong, I occasionally bash men in my column so I can respect where they are coming from. The album is written, performed, arranged and mixed by Gary Schutt. I personally enjoyed this album very much, the sound, the vibe, the meaning, everything. I actually sat back and listened to the words on some tracks like ‘Drama Queen’, ‘Crave’ and ‘I’m In Love With A Girl I Hate’. I was hysterically laughing! The vocals describe some women and stunts that they will pull perfectly. Believe me, I know, I’m guilty of it! I can’t wait for them to perform somewhere close to us. For more info, check out their Webssite: www.SHUTworld.com from: www.RATHOLE.com - Scott Bazzett rating: 8/10 I swear I don't know what to make of this guy. He is so talented I get a headache just thinking about it. He's got a fantastic voice. Great power, range and clarity and he does some great stuff with it too. Good harmonies and vocal melodies… His guitar playing is amazing. No matter what style he is playing, he just nails it, like that's what he was born to play. The drum lines are interesting and well thought out, and oddly enough he is most famous as a bass player. Go figure… He also wrote and produced everything. I honestly think he might be schizophrenic. The absolute abandon he displays while churning through genre and style… boundaries be damned! I mean after years of playing covers and backing up other people I believe he has developed a real appreciation for all different types of rock and he just doesn't differentiate between them. It's just all stuff he likes. Coincidentally, when he does it, it's all stuff I like too. His voice and guitar tone stay consistent throughout the cd as a constant, but the style changes quite a bit. The first couple songs have sort of a modern fun feel, while the third one sounds just like old Firehouse. The sixth one jumps forward into a very Fates Warning like song, the seventh has a big funky bass like the Suicidal Tendencies and the eighth one skips around between like Winger, Blue Murder and Queensryche. The tenth one reminds me a little bit of Saigon Kick and the last one shows touches of Queen and Dream Theater… The guy is amazingly versatile and sounds comfortable doing all of it. I feel confident that with the variety of styles on this album, there might truly be, something for everyone. Gary has gone the independent route with this cd, which means if you buy it, you will be getting a cdr, but it's very well done and since he saved money making them, you save money buying them. Direct from Schutt, it's only $13 for 12 songs and that includes shipping. I recommend you buy it. It's a good price and a good disc and this is the kind of artist we should be supporting. On a scale of 1 to 10 I give Excruciating Pleasures an 8. STRUTTER'ZINE - Gabor Kleinbloesem rating: 7/10 Multi-instrumentalist GARY SCHUTT has a new CD, now as SHUT, and the CD he released is titled ‘Excruciating pleasures’. He did everything on his own, and did a pretty good job, although I have to say that earlier releases of Gary were better, because they had more to offer for the melodic rockfan. This new album has modern influences on a lot of songs, such as the groovy Hardrocksongs “Drama queen”, “Psycho bitch” and “Someone new”. These are definitely not bad songs, but I also can’t call them really sensational, but with the good vocals of Gary and his instrumental passages nothing’s wrong. The best song by far has got to be the lovely semi melodic rockballad “Lost soul mate”, a la 80s DOKKEN, also with lovely melodic lead vocals. It’s a pity, Gary didn’t include more songs like this tune on the CD, because then it would have been more interesting. Nevertheless, fans of Gary and if you like your melodic hardrock to have a modern twist, then please go to: http://www.SHUTworld.com TWO GUYS MUSIC (R.I.) - Steve Albanese (excerpt from another e-mail) Gary's CD is friggin' killer. I just got some and it sounds great...it's a screen printed CDR but it looks killer. This guy knows what he's doing...the production is phenomenal. http://www.ctv.es/USERS/arcadiu/disdic.htm Este trabajo ha sido escrito, arreglado y mezclado por Gary Schutt. que ahora nos presenta su nuevo proyecto bajo el nombre de "Shut" un poco más heavy , pero igual de melodico como en sus anteriores trabajos . Webssite: www.SHUTworld.com Fireworks magazine U.K - Mike Newdeck Multi talented Gary Schutt knows a thing or two about rock music, cutting his teeth with Takara and Jeff Scott Soto as a bass player. Hiding your head under a bushel must be one of Schutt’s favourite pastimes as on this, his third solo album, he plays all instruments, sings and produces the whole affair. Quite possibly the hardest edged project that Schutt has been involved in,‘Excruciating Pleasures’-Schutt's third solo outing- combines power and poise in equal measure with the guitar dominance being cleverly tempered by melody and other instrumental histrionics. The ‘Pull’ era Winger style of ‘Someone New’ or the heavier still ‘Night Terror’, which has echoes of Metal Church bludgeon, whilst we have to wait until the tenth track ‘I’m in Love’ for some well-earned rest bite from the ferocity. With a touring band being put together, featuring the precocious talent of drummer Alex Papa, it appears that on the evidence of this album alone, success is just around the corner …..and that I think you’ll agree is an open and Schutt case. THE-FUZE - Todd Seely SHUT is the new band project built around multi-instrumentalist Gary Schutt. Gary is perhaps best known for his early work with Takara and his association with Jeff Scott Soto. In hindsight, Gary ’s strengths really seem to manifest themselves when he’s left to his own devices. The SHUT album is one of the most satisfying heavy rock albums of the past year. Gary sang, played and produced the thing. So if you don’t like something, you know who to blame. But what’s not to like? Gary ’s a creative lyricist. His lyrics can be cynical, and are often hilarious, as in the case of “Drama Queen”, “Psycho Bitch” and “I’m In Love With The Girl That I Hate”. Hmm, we’re sensing a theme here. Maybe too much of a theme. In any case, the lyrics are piggy-backing on some great riffing – imagine White Zombie crossed with The Offspring and Dream Theater. Two of the most satisfying tracks are “Mental Ward” and “Therapy”, the former really showing off Gary ’s prowess on guitar and bass. The disc is available only through Gary ’s web site www.SHUTworld.com. So open your wallet, and surf on over. Then open your ears to SHUT. FOCUS MAGAZINE Gary Schutt has been belting out classic hard rock with various Bay area bands ever since they invented the stuff. Maybe longer. Seems there’s been a half-a-zillion changes along the way, yet Schutt remains true to his guitar-driven, harmony-crusted hard pop sound that keeps recycling with certainty. Pleasures features a dozen more Schutt symphonettas- assertive vocals, sailing guitar work and songs pocked with heavy hooks for the AC/DC, Scorpions and Led Zep masses that refuse to die. If it ever mattered, turns out Schutt is also a skilled drummer, so this one-man band effort definitely “rawks on” with its bad self. Trends: the girls probably won’t find much empathy with done-wrong dude songs like “Drama Queen”, “Psycho Bitch” or “Wish You Dead” (yeah, what’s with the fatalist attitude, Gary?). But we think there’s some kinda 12-step program going on with tunes like “Self Destruction”, “Mental Ward (Checkin’ In)" and “Therapy.” (contact: www.shutworld.com) www.melodichardrocktoday.tk by Arne Asbølmo The very well known guitarplayer, bassist, vocalist, Gary Schutt, has started his own band, Shut, and some weeks ago the result of that landed in my mailbox. Excruciating Pleasures is the name of the album. Gary Schutt`s musical career started in high school were he played drums in some projects at school. He later on started on Berklee College Of Music to develop his guitar talents. He has since then played with Jeff Scott Soto, Takara and released two solo albums, Sentimental in 1994 and Playthings, 1999. Gary is also a member of the popular Tampa Bay show band, Disco Inferno. Gary has put together a great band with bassist Chaz Dykes(Safka, Jewel, Sly Dog Bone), guitarist Tom Mcdyne (who has his debut as guitarist with Shut), on drums we find Alex Papa ( Jeff Scott Soto, Quiet Riot, Society`s Scream). I think Gary is a very talented musician, he has written all the songs by himself, arranged and mixed and of course performed on all songs. The music is melodic hardrock with a modern touch and can be related to bands like Winger, Dokken and Slaughter. The album opens with the powerful song Drama Queen, with nice guitar riffs and great refrain. Psycho Bitch is a much more standard melodic hard rock song, but it really rocks. The album consists of twelve high quality songs and I have personally heard this album at least ten times now and it`s getting better and better everytime. The songs has fine variety and shows us the talents of great musicians. There is no doubt that Gary is a great vocalist, guitarist and bassplayer, just listen to songs like Someone New, Lost Soul mate and the funky song Mental Ward, the rock ballad I`m In Love With the Girl I Hate and you will not be disappointed. There are no week points on this album, it will entertain you and give you many hours of good listening. www.rockreport.be chris lambert The man who started as bass player for In The Pink (does anyone remember them?) is back with his third solo outing, albeit under the monicker of Shut. All songs were written, performed, produced, arranged, engineered and mixed by Gary Schutt last year and to come straight to the point, the new material is more modern (contemporary?), darker and heavier than his previous work ("Sentimetal" and "Playthings"). Just have a look at the album title and/or song titles: I'm sure they speak for themselves. What Gary presents here, is not really my cup of tea (I'm more into his 80's stuff), but if you're into modern, slightly alternative rock, this independent released album could be something for you. If you can't find it in the shops (which is very likely), then contact Shut Up Productions at sup@ij.net or visit Gary's website. Rock Hard http://www.rocktime.fr.st Jee Jacquet rating : 8.5/10 (translated from French) Gary Schutt is currently more known for it's part of bass player in the JSS Band than for his solo albums. Perhaps the things will evolve with Excruciating Pleasures, 3rd album from Gary, registered under the name of Shut Band. This CD is the most complex, the most mature, a bit crazy as well of the guitarist/bassist/singer/composer/producer and…yes, he does everything with a mastery (a control) that forces the respect. This guy is incredible. He sings 12 amazing pieces. Some of them can remind us of Freak Kitchen for the crazy guitar parts, the way Gary sings (not especially serious !), the breaks (bridges ?) and other small things. Regarding this subject, I will mention "Mental Ward", "Wish You Dead", "Someone New" where the rage we feel in the vocals, the guitar/bass parts, the solos, are astounding, (incredible) but also "Drama Queen" and "Psycho Bitch" in a more melodic register. "Therapy" is cut out in different themes, in the kind of Dream Theater, starting with a ballad atmosphere (piano) that leads to a more metal rhythm (guitar/keyboards) and so on. This song is brilliant ! "I'm In Love" is based on acoustic guitar, "Crave", with its tortured singing and its dark atmosphere make us feel unconfortable. Also, we notice that the lyrics have nothing favorable for women ! Each song have its particularity, various guitar sounds, some vocal effects here and there, a touch of aggressiveness and a funny side that is quite pleasant. On all levels, the progression is significant and more particularly regarding the way the songs are built and the guitar playing which are rather impressive. Gary Schutt goes this time much further than its Playthings (1999) which was already pretty interesting musically and he's doing here a completely successful and unexpected musical change (turn). Excruciating Pleasures is an inspired, original, powerful and very well produced album. Really too good ! To get this wonder : www. SHUTworld.com Go ahead, it's not expensive and it's really worthwhile. Antithetik - http://antithetik.free.fr/album.php By Denis Perrot (translated from French) After 2 solo albums, "Sentimetal" (1994) and "Playthings" (1999), Gary Schutt is back with a new project called Shut ! We mainly know the musician for his part of bass player with Jeff Scott Soto but not so much the multi-instrumentist able to do and assume the full responsability of an album, as a musician and producer. That's what he did with his 2 first releases. With Shut, he's doing it again ! Because behind appearances of a band, with Chaz Dykes on bass, Tom McDyne on guitar et Alex Papa on drums (he's left the project since), it's Gary Schutt, in fact, who has taken in charge the full instrumentation of the album. Either as guitarist, bassist or drummer, Gary is absolutely perfect. He makes a true demonstration of his talent. As a composer first. The songs move away from melodic hard rock to the profit of a very good heavy rock with muscle, the whole with a good amount of fun. As a musician then. Gary's powerful guitar playing is impressive, his guitar riffs kill as well as his technical bass playing ("Mental Ward"). And last but not least, as a singer. Gary sings with an incredible ease, even if it's not what we can call a "big" voice. This man is a complete musician. Regarding lyrics, he does not make in delicacy ! A right kick in women's face ! Anyway, music is the most important ! On the 12 tracks of "Excruciating Pleasures", only "Crave" sounds different with its industrial rock touches (kind of Nine Inch Nails). The other tracks are simply huge. We even reach the red zone with songs like "Drama queen", "Night Terror" "Wish you dead" and "Self destruction" ! "Psycho bitch" is a real powerful hit single ! Acoustic sonorities rule on "I'm in love with the girl that I hate". Another big surprise is "Therapy" which alternates piano and heavy sequences, in a register close to prog metal. One thing for sure, there's a real big effort done with the songwriting. Bridges, various rhythms, the way things are put together ("Someone New", "Mental Ward" and its slapping bass parts, one of the highlights of the album !), a fresh production, it grooves and we never feel bored. The album is melodic, catchy and the production is excellent. The cd is available on the Shut website only : www.shutworld.com Don't ask questions, just buy it 'cause Shut is a real bomb !!! Flam Rock Metal Zine By Franck Renard Singing : 9 out of 10 Music : 9 out 10 Artwork : 7 out of 10 (translated from French) Son of musician, Gary Schutt is more or less the american version of Angus Young. His particularity is that he's a multi-instrumentist. From guitar to bass and drums, Gary is also a gifted songwriter and singer and shows his ingeniosity as a producer. He's perfect. During his career, Gary played with Robin Zander (Cheap Trick), Joe Travers (Duran Duran, Dweezil Zappa), Brian Tichy (Ozzy Osbourne), Dorian Heartsong (Powerman 5000), Julie Greaux (Billy Idol), Bryan Beller (Dweezil Zappa, Mullmuzzler), Mike Luciano (Trixter), Mars Cowling (Pat Travers), Chris Wormer (Charlie Daniels), Paul Huesman (Michael Sweet). Gary is currently with the JSS Band and has released his 3rd solo album "Excruciating Pleasures". 12 songs built in rock that will astonish you. The 1st track : "Drama Queen", is a perfect opening to take us away in a journey that remind Freak Kitchen and Pride or the last Paradise Lost with "Someone new", "Mental ward" or "Therapy" and its score à la Dream Theater. But Gary will amaze you too with "I'm in love with the girl I hate", a wonderful metallic ballad with a very good and clear singing. The album is a pure masterpiece. |
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